Uttarakhand bars production of 5 Patanjali products that claimed to cure diabetes, BP

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand’s Ayurveda and Unani Licensing Authority has directed yoga teacher Ramdev’s company, Divya Pharmacy, to stop production of five products terming claims that they can treat blood pressure, diabetes, goitre, glaucoma and high cholesterol as “misleading.”

Divya Pharmacy, part of Patanjali Group, aggressively advertised its products, BPgrit, Madhugrit, Thyrogrit, Lipidom and Eyegrit Gold tablets, as cure for these diseases.

“(The) Drug panel examined the formulation sheets of these drugs and it did not indicate the claims made (in the advertisements),” Uttarkhand drug controller, Dr GCN Jangapangi said in a letter to Divya Pharmacy dated November 9, 2022. HT has seen a copy of the letter.

Patanjali issued a statement alleging that the move was a “conspiracy” and that they had not received the letter yet.

“Patanjali’s drug making unit Divya Pharmacy manufactures drugs with deep research and quality on the basis of ayurvedic legacy and as per international standards. Patanjali has hit hard at the business of confusion and fear in the name of medical treatment.

“What we have got to know through media, the act appears to be involving drug mafia who are against Ayurveda. As part of conspiracy, the Uttarakhand authority circulated the letter in the media... but it is yet to be made available to us,” the release stated. The company also said that it will take legal action against “conspirators” trying to malign its image.

In July, Kerala-based ophthalmologist KV Babu complained that the company was violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, by promoting these drugs as remedies for these diseases.

Jangapangi, in the letter, asked Patanjali to submit revised formulation sheets and label claims for each of the five products for “fresh approval”. The health authority asked the company to stop production and said it could restart production only after the authority has approved the revised formulations.

Jangapangi also asked the Divya Pharmacy to stop releasing “misleading and objectionable advertisements” with immediate effect.

Patanjali’s statement said: “Media reports mention about misleading advertisements by us. In this regard, we have already responded to Uttarakhand authority on September 30. However, by disregarding the high court order, one sided action is being taken.”

The authority has also asked the Dehradun district Ayurvedic and Unani officer to visit the Patanjali factory.

It is not clear whether Divya’s claims on the efficacy of its formulations is backed by any clinical trial data.

In September , the state health authority, as well as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), took a strong stand against advertisements by Patanjali Ayurveda that promised to treat BP, diabetes, goitre, high lipid levels and glaucoma.

The state authority asked Divya Pharmacy, on September 7 to stop releasing the ads and also sought an explanation.

According to Jangapangi, Divya Pharmacy had responded saying they complied.

The state health authority also forwarded the complaint to the Union Ayush ministry. A response from the ministry was not available immediately.

Ramdev